Steven Maggese and I traveled to Rutherfordton bright and early on June 27th. We arrived a little early and enjoyed a cup of java at Main Street Coffee and Ice Cream in the quaint downtown area. The ice cream selections looked so delectable that I was tempted, but it was only 8:30 in the morning, so I held back. With the last drops of coffee warming us, we made our way to St. Francis, where a warm welcome awaited. Stepping into the main hall, my eyes landed on a table brimmin

Last week, I retreated to the rolling hills and picturesque landscape at Claggett Center in Maryland to attend the College for Congregational Development. The serene environment provided space to delve deeper into church life. When I registered for this time, I wasn’t sure what to expect. After each didactic plenary session, my interest and enthusiasm grew as I worked in breakout groups to practice applying the models. As the week unfolded, the centering questions of “Who are

Holidays invite us to recognize, commemorate, and cherish what feels like a gift or a blessing. When I recently wrote about Mother’s Day, I explored how complex the holiday can be for many people. Now, we find ourselves at Father’s Day, which carries its own heavy significance. Relationships with father figures are rarely straightforward. They are a patchwork of shifting seasons, layered emotions, and vivid memories. As I researched the history of Father’s Day, I was struck b

Collect for the Feast of St. Barnabas: Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown but the well­being of your Church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Saint Barnabas — Sandro Botticelli, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons This w

This month marks the 56th celebration of Pride Month, a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community and acknowledge its history. I do not identify as LGBTQ+, but I am deeply connected through friendships and ministry. I want to honor Pride Month with a reflection that stands with those who have been marginalized and affirms their dignity as human beings. My understanding of the phrase Love is Love began in high school, shaped by a man whose brilliance was overshadowed by the controver

The feel of summer has already pressed in upon us here in humid North Carolina. After a couple of months of doing a Winter‑to‑Spring dance, it seems that summer has finally settled in for good. I will admit—I love the generous rainfalls this season brings, at least when they are plentiful without becoming torrential. Rainy afternoon - Gastonia, North Carolina Have you made any summer plans yet? As for me, I’m hoping to carve out pockets of time for some creative, restorative

On May 24th, Rev. Tara blessed new frontals that will hang in front of the pulpit each Sunday. They were handwoven by Carol Wertz from her home weaving studio. Make sure to come to the front so you can get a good look at the intricate pattern. Thanks to Carol for her hard work and gift to All Saints.

With Pentecost on the horizon, I find myself reflecting on my first year at All Saints Episcopal Church. My journey here began on Pentecost, June 8th last year. Though the calendar has turned, its rhythm draws me back to that meaningful start and invites me to cherish all the moments that have unfolded since. 1 Corinthians 12:3-13 shares with us that “there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord,” and even in the fu

Certain crucible moments occur just after the Dismissal, in that informal liturgy of handshakes and hugs at the church doors. Conversations range from the practical — pews that need dusting, shrubs that need trimming, apologies for missed Sundays, comments on the sermon — to the pastoral: a request for prayer, a need for a visit. And every so often, someone brings a deeper theological question. Two weeks ago, someone asked me, “Hey, Rev., I was listening to a podcast that deb

In 1908, Anna Jarvis set out to honor her mother, a woman remembered for her peace, compassion, and tireless service after the Civil War. Legend has it that Anna once overheard her mother praying for a day to celebrate the hard work of mothers. This heartfelt wish, as shared in a documentary about the origins of Mother’s Day, sparked the movement. When President Woodrow Wilson declared the holiday official in 1914, the intention was to set aside a day to honor the steadfast,

Spending time in Utah for a few days did not seem like enough time to take in all the desert beauty. The landscape is rough and rugged while being magnificently majestic, jaw-dropping, and awe-inspiring. I was so inspired by the canyons and arches that I purchased a book by John Wesley Powell, The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons. I began to research on my phone the history of how these areas were formed. It is fascinating. All the while I was surrounded by t

Saturday, May 9th. .

Friday, December 19th at 6pm All Saints Family Life Center We will be having a potluck dinner. There is a signup board in the Family Life Center to plan for headcount and what dishes, sides or desserts people plan to bring. We will have holiday music, crafts and games, so bring your friends, neighbors and holiday cheer.

Place your orders now for a box or boxes of assorted homemade cookies, nuts and candies. Sold in festive holiday boxes, a small box is $20 and a large box is $30. Some examples of holiday goodies include: fudge, cystalized pecans, candy cane cookies, snickerdoodles and many more. Great gift idea for your neighbor, family or friends or for you to enjoy! Orders must be placed by December 7th. You can complete an order form in the Lobby of the Family Life Center or you can

October 25, 2025 4-6 pm; Oyster Roast begins at 5 pm All Saints Episcopal Church Thanks to everyone for a great event! We had a huge turnout and a lot of fun. Thanks to Rev. Tara and all the volunteers to decorated, cooked food, decorated pumkins, managed games or welcomed people on Robinwood Road dressed as a giant lobster and shark. If you have other pictures to share from the event, you can text them to Phill Wertz at 704-674-9464.